Labour Minister Ngige an aspirant for the 2023 Presidential Election Race of APC Party has declared his withdrawal hours after President Muhammadu Buhari hosted outgoing ministers seeking elective offices at the presidential villa in Abuja, to officially bid them farewell.

Announcing his resignation, the minister said: “Today, 13th May 2022, I had an audience with President Buhari, as a follow up to the one I earlier had with him on 11th May 2022. Having also consulted widely with my family, constituents, supporters and well-wishers, it is my pleasure to announce the withdrawal of my interest and earlier decision to contest the office of the president in the 2023 general election. As a result of this, I will NOT be participating in any of the internal party processes of the said election, starting with the primary.”

Ngige also said that he chose to withdraw so that he can assist the President and the Federal Government to “weather the difficult last lap” of the Administration.

The minister also cited family reasons as part of the motivation to no longer pursue his ambition.